Offline Access in Google Apps

Moving to a cloud solution like Google Apps brings with it the realization that most of the work that we do when using a computer is online. In places like Philippines, this can become an issue when not addressed properly at the beginning of Google Apps deployment. A common problem we face in the Philippines is good internet connectivity, and this then affects our experience in using a solution like Google Apps.

Everyone knows that Google Apps brings topnotch collaboration to organizations. In education, when coupled with Google+ Communities, it can even expand an educator's Personal Learning Network. But with the connectivity challenge, we need to ensure that our teachers and students know how to access and use the Google Tools even when they are not connected to the internet.

Fortunately, a lot of these Google Tools are accessible offline. Note though, that for Google Apps tools to be accessible offline in a browser, you need to use Google Chrome. You can definitely access Google Apps from any browser, but for offline accessibility, you will need to be able to install Chrome apps from the Chrome Web Store.
Here is a list of recommended Google tools and apps that you can install in your Chrome Web browser to help you work offline :

1. GMAIL OFFLINE - Gmail Offline beta is a Gmail app built to support offline access, allowing mail to be read, responded to, searched and archived without network access. After first start-up, Gmail Offline will automatically synchronize messages and queued actions anytime Chrome is running and an Internet connection is available. More than just an offline app, the streamlined user interface, based off Gmail’s popular tablet interface, provides extremely fast response time with a pure, email focused experience.2. GOOGLE CALENDAR - Organizing your schedule shouldn't be a burden. With Google Calendar, it's easy to keep track of life's important events all in one place. Know where you're supposed to be even when you don't have internet access. With offline access, you can view a read-only version of your calendar no matter where you are.3. GOOGLE DRIVE - With Google Drive, you can now access your files, even the big ones, from wherever you are. Share them with whomever you want, and edit them together in real time. Offline access allows you to do an offline sync in your browser to view and edit your Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings. You also have the option to install the individual Google Docs apps below, all of which work offline:

Google Docs - Docs keeps everything and everyone on the same page. Add artichokes to a shared shopping list, or put the finishing touches on your business plan from the lobby before the meeting, right from your mobile device.

Google Slides - Slides is good for shiny 6-pagers or 600 page snoozefests. Not only does it have everything you need to pull together an awesome presentation, but you’ll never have to hit “save” again.

Google Sheets - Sheets is more than just columns and rows. Track your fitness plan, do fancy financial calculations with your team, or manage your fantasy league stats.

Google Drawings- Add some color to your documents, presentations, and websites with easy to create charts and diagrams.

4. GOOGLE KEEP - Jot down a quick note, make a checklist or keep a photo. Everything you add is instantly available on all your devices – desktop and mobile. With the Google Keep Chrome app you can keep track of your thoughts via notes, lists and photos, add reminders to important notes and be reminded through Google Now, color-code your notes to help find them later and create and edit notes even when offline.

These tools will allow you to work off of a browser without internet access, and all edits will automatically sync as soon as you are connected. With these apps in place, you don't have to worry about losing the connection. You can go right ahead and keep working.